@ZAPunter provides his betting tips for the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Leicester City which takes place on Saturday 5th October
LIVERPOOL VS LEICESTER CITY, SATURDAY @ 16:00:
Brendan Rodgers returns to Anfield on Saturday afternoon for the first time since leaving Liverpool when his high-flying Leicester City side come to town. Both teams have made impressive starts to the season, with Liverpool winning 7 out 7 and the Foxes sitting 3rd in the league table. Rodgers will likely get a warm reception at Anfield, as he started the transition of Liverpool and laid the foundation for Jurgen Klopp. Since his appointment by Leicester City, they have managed to pick up the 3rd most points in the Premier League, only behind Liverpool and Manchester City. Leicester will expect to hold their own against one of the traditional “big boys”, as they already managed to beat Tottenham and draw against Chelsea. That being said, plenty of teams have failed to come to Anfield, as it’s the toughest test in European football at the moment. This could be a classic on Saturday.
LIVERPOOL:
The Reds have made a dominant start to their Premier League campaign and will look to extend their lead over Manchester City once again this weekend. Last weekend they had a hard fought victory over a motivated Sheffield United away from home and in midweek they were involved in a classic shoot-out against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League. Results are what will matter this season for Liverpool, rather than exceptional performances and so far they have delivered. Their xGf is 1.93 and xGa 1.22, compared to their actual goals, they have been clinical in front of goal and could have conceded more goals this season. Team news: Alisson is back in training, but this game may be too early for a world class goalkeeper. Matip is doubtful and will need to undergo a late fitness test, with Gomez likely to fill in. Games are coming thick and fast for Liverpool and Saturday’s fixture may be one of their toughest so far this season.
LEICESTER CITY:
The Foxes have been brilliant this season and it’s been a joy to watch them, especially going forward. Their comeback victory over Tottenham showed their class and last weekend they beat down on a struggling Newcastle with a 5-0 victory. Nobody expected Leicester to be one of the challengers even though it’s still early in the season, they have been impressive. The likes of Maddison, Tielemans and Soyuncu has really stepped up so far and the future looks bright. Expected goals: Their xGf is 1.22 and xGa 0.79, according to these statistics they have been “lucky” scoring so many goals, but are very good defensively. Team news: Maddison is once again a doubt for the game and Rodgers will decide closer to kick-off if he will risk the player. This is Leicester’s toughest test by a country mile and will require their best performance of the season to get anything from the match.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS:
Liverpool: 4-3-3
Adrian,
Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson,
Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum,
Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Leicester: 4-1-4-1
Schmeichel,
Pereira, Evans, Soyuncu, Chilwell,
Ndidi,
Perez, Maddison, Tielemans, Barnes,
Vardy.
PREDICTION:
Liverpool’s quality will once again show this weekend as their main focus remains winning the Premier League Title. I also expect goals in the one and won’t be surprised if Leicester manages to score at Anfield on Saturday. The Reds have been struggling in defence compared to last season, but I can’t see the Foxes outscoring them either. I’m not the biggest fan of combination bets, but I feel this is the only way to go in this game. Liverpool will get the victory, with goals being scored.
BETTING:
Liverpool Win and Over 2.5 Goals – 1.92 @BetOlimp
Best Bets Record: 7-0
Overall Record: 18-9-2
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
@ZAPunter
